For the Super Eagles’ forthcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification matches against the Benin Republic and Rwanda, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has released a 23-man roster.
The roster announcement is Bruno Labbadia’s first significant task as the Super Eagles’ recently hired head coach.
Star attacker Victor Osimhen and defender William Troost-Ekong, who last played for the national team in the postponed 2023 AFCON final in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year, have been called up by the German tactician. Osimhen’s prolonged absence from the team in recent months caused a public spat with Finidi George, the team’s previous coach, who has since left the position. Osimhen’s return, a crucial member of SSC Napoli, heralds a new era under Labbadia’s
Other noteworthy returnees include Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Olisa Ndah from the Orlando Pirates join Osimhen and Ekong. The team also has a mix of young players and seasoned veterans, like as Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, and Alex Iwobi, all of whom are expected to play in the next games.
On September 7, the Super Eagles and Benin Republic are expected to play at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Three days later, they would go to Kigali to face Rwanda after this. By September 2, all chosen players should be at the team’s Uyo camp to start getting ready for these important games.
Hereunder is the Full List of the Squad:
Goalkeepers:
– Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
– Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
– Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC, Nigeria)
Defenders:
– William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
– Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey)
– Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
– Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)
– Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)
– Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
– Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
Midfielders:
– Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
– Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
– Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)
– Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy)
– Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
– Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Forwards:
– Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
– Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy)
– Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain)
– Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
– Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)
– Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
– Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)
The roster was revealed following the NFF’s Tuesday hiring of Bruno Labbadia as head coach.
